Long-Term Adherence to Health Behavior Change

August 17, 2017•1 min read

HHS Public Access Author manuscript Am J Lifestyle Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 August 17.

Published in final edited form as: Am J Lifestyle Med. 2013 ; 7(6): 395–404. doi:10.1177/1559827613488867.

Long-Term Adherence to Health Behavior Change

Kathryn R. Middleton, M.S., M.P.H.a,b, Stephen D. Anton, Ph.D.a,c, and Michal G. Perri, Ph.D.a

aDepartment of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida bDepartment of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University & The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island cDepartment of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida

Abstract

The utility of lifestyle-based health promotion interventions is directly impacted by participant adherence to prescribed behavior changes. Unfortunately, poor adherence to behaviors recommended in lifestyle interventions is widespread, particularly over the long-term; thus, the “adherence problem” represents a significant challenge to the effectiveness of these interventions. The current review provides an overview of the adherence problem and describes a theoretical framework through which the factors that impact adherence can be understood. To further understand the difficulties individuals face when adhering to health behavior changes, we focus our discussion on challenges associated with adherence to lifestyle behaviors recommended for weight loss and healthy weight management (i.e., reductions in dietary intake and increases in physical activity). We describe strategies that improve long-term adherence to health behaviors related to healthy weight management, including the provision of extended care, skills training, improving social support, and strategies specific to maintaining changes in dietary intake and physical activity. Finally, we discuss difficulties involved in implementing long-term weight management programs and suggest practical solutions for providers.

Keywords: Adherence; Lifestyle Intervention; Health Behavior Change; Long-Term Maintenance

Am J Lifestyle Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 August 17.

Link to the official publication

Stephen Anton, PhD

Dr. Anton’s specific research interests are in the role that lifestyle factors have in influencing obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease conditions. He completed his doctoral degree in Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida (UF), receiving training in health promotion and the delivery of lifestyle interventions designed to modify eating and exercise behaviors. Following completion of his post-doctoral fellowship at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in June 2007, he accepted a joint Assistant Professor position within the Department of Aging and Geriatric Research and Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida. Since joining the University of Florida, he has successfully obtained and conducted multiple grants examining the effects that lifestyle-based interventions have on biological and functional outcomes relevant to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disease conditions related to aging. With over 150 scientific articles and book chapters, his research has been recognized both nationally as well as internationally.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your physician before making changes to your health routine.